I had a regularly scheduled appointment on May 5th. It was the start of my “2 week” appointments, meaning that I would start seeing my doctor every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks.
The first thing that threw me off is that I gained 6 pounds in 3 weeks. This is not uncommon, but for me it was. I’d gained about 1-2 pound every time I’d been to the doctor. To step on the scale and see it inching higher and higher had me slightly worried (and a little disgusted if I’m being honest!). I tried to not let my mind race, but sitting in a tiny exam room by myself for 15 minutes didn’t exactly help me!
My doctor came in and everything seemed fine to her! She commented on my weight, but all she said is “it’s about time you started gaining weight”! Sound weird, but I was happy with that! If she wasn’t concerned, then why should I be? I
Even though there was little to be concerned about, my pregnancy brain immediately kicked in. What if something was wrong with our babe? What if there was something wrong with me? So many questions and such a long time to wait for answers. I attempted to forget about the situation for the weekend. Derek was out of town and I had a few things planned so that helped a great deal! Before I knew it, it was Monday and we were more than ready to “see” the babe again!
The Ultrasound Tech was great and took so much time explaining everything to Derek and I. We were able to watch the babe for about 45 minutes and got some great pictures to add to the collection. She told us at that time that the babe was measuring about 4 pounds which was roughly 10 days early. She told us that she saw no signs for concern and that our doctor would be in contact with us.
Several days passed and we assumed “no news was good news”! We went about our lives and even crossed a few things off the “To Do B4 Babe” list! On May 18th our doctor called and said that the reason that I was measuring so far ahead was due to two things. A large babe and high amniotic fluid (called Polyhydramnios). She explained that there was no great concern but that she wanted to monitor me and the babe more closely through the remainder of this pregnancy. She recommended weekly Non-Stress Tests (NST’s), continued 2 week appointments with her and ultrasounds every 3 weeks. She also mentioned that she had consulted with a doctor in Fergus Falls and he was on board with her recommendations.
I went in for my first NST on May 19th. It was scheduled for 30-45 minutes. They attached two monitors to me, one measures that babe’s movement and heartbeat and the other one measures contractions. After getting all “hooked up” the test was set to begin. It was great to be able to hear the babe’s heartbeat again! After about 30 minutes the nurse came back in and was a little shocked at the number (and consistency) of contractions I was having. She called my doctor who came and check the test results. She gave me a pill to stop the contractions and suggested that we go and see the doctor in Fergus Falls just for a higher quality ultrasound and also for a second opinion.
The appointment in Fergus Falls was scheduled for the 20th. I attempted to remain calm during all of this, but I admit that I had a few “weak” moments. I’m so grateful Derek is so understanding of my emotions and is so helpful! After meeting with Dr. Norgaard (who is just as cute as he is sweet), he suggested that we have an ultrasound there. He wanted to have another tech do the ultrasound and also so that he could look at it for himself. With the ultrasound scheduled for 12:30 it gave D & I about 45 minutes to go and grab something to eat. With not a ton of time we settled on Burger King. While munching on french fries I had a meltdown. Right there in Burger King. I guess I had just enough time to let it all sink in and the real possibility that something might be wrong flooded my mind. I was able to gather myself, but only because of D’s sweet words! I truly could not have done any of this without him at my side!
We were back at the hospital with just enough time to spare! We registered and made out way to the ultrasound wing! We wait a short time and then we were called back. Our tech was amazing and took nearly an hour and a half to explain everything. We were able to get to “see” our babe again and also got some AMAZING 3D pictures! I left the room feeling confident and with not a lot of worry. Since Fergus is a much larger hospital than Morris, they were able to read the ultrasound right there. We waited for the results to come back and then we were able to meet with Dr. Norgaard right away to go over them.
Dr. Norgaard agreed that the size of the babe and my large amount of amniotic fluid were the reason that I was measuring so far ahead. The babe weighted in at 5 pounds 2 ounces (the 98th percentile!)! He also stated that due to these factors, my “adjusted due date” would be closer to July 3rd. The adjusted due date means that it is more likely that I will deliver closer to the new date even though it is 3 weeks early than my original due date. He also suggested that we talk with our doctor about being induced should I go over this date. He didn’t seem to think that I should go beyond July 3rd as it will only allow the babe to gain more and more weight!
All and all everything looks great with the babe. There are no signs of any defects that can be the cause of Polyhydramnios and his/her heart and other organs look great! Sounds like the babe will be here sooner rather than later!
Now I think you are all caught up. I’ll continue to keep you all posted with the results of our weekly NST and ultrasounds!
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